8 September 2010

I hope you all had a fun-filled weekend. The kids were visiting over the long weekend so we dug deep into to our roots to enjoy some of the simple things in life...creating meals together as a family, good conversation, picking the first apples of the season, being in each others company while all the while being a tourist in our own town. Where else would we want to be, unless if course you are a university student finding her own path in life and enjoying all the cultural diversity of living in a big city on the coast?

I certainly understand the draw of living in the BIG CITY. I have had my share of living in larger centers all across this vast country. There’s nothing more exciting and challenging for a twenty-something than to spread their wings. Big cities are appealing because they have more of a variety of everything...types of people, restaurants, cultural events, and things to see and do. It’s possible to never be lonely or bored if you are proactive in getting out and taking advantage of everything that’s there.

Of course it is nice to come back home too and spend some time with mom:D I can't believe that I didn't flash up the barbecue while the kids were here since they brought a 10-lb salmon from the docks at Steveston. Speaking of barbecues I am reinventing the wheel and joining my South African friend Jeanne of Cooksister (who is also living in the big city of London) and her event Brai the Beloved Country .On 24 September, South Africa celebrates Heritage Day, a holiday to highlight the incredible richness and diversity of South Africa's cultural and natural heritage. Apart from being Heritage Day, 24 September is also celebrated as National Braai Day (a braai is a South African barbecue). For what more fitting example of their shared cross-cultural heritage can there be than a braai?

Jeanne would love for you to share your favourite braai or barbecue recipes with her - it can be meat, fish, vegetables, breads, stews - in fact anything that you can cook over an outdoor fire or grill, South African inspired or not. Then on 24 September, she will post a round-up of all the recipes in a big celebration of summery outdoor cooking to celebrate the end of the season, or perhaps the beginning if you are living "down under".

I am sending over my recipe for grilled peppers. These are a favourite around here and so quick and easy to prepare as a side dish. If you enjoy the simple and uncomplicated things in life I urge you to give these a try. All you need are some seasonal peppers of any colour, some pesto and buffalo mozzarella. You have to have something to accompany those thick juicy steaks or lamb chops don't you? So break out the barbecue one last time and send your recipes over to Jeanne.

Cut peppers in half lengthways. Scrape out and discard the cores and seeds. Drizzle olive oil, season with salt and pepper and add a few slivers of garlic into the cavity of each pepper.

Preheat the grill to 375°F/200°C or medium high heat.

Place the peppers on the grill, cavity side up, until charred (approximately 3 minutes). Add a spoonful of pesto into each of the peppers and slices of buffalo mozzarella cheese. Continue to cook peppers until cheese is melted (approximately 3 minutes).

You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author/owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison.

How fabulous that you got to spend some time with your kids! Mine has been away for only 2 weeks at this point, so we're not expecting him home until the holidays. Oh the adventures, right? The peppers look amazing. What a great idea.

Valli, I loved reading your post about your time with family, simplicity, slowing down and all those important things in life that we take for granted! The peppers with pesto are a MUST MAKE....I'm falling in love with grilled veggies. I was inspired by your Cooking Light posts so I prepared my very first C.L. dish this week, also grilled veggie variety. You, and other bloggers really help me out in so many ways. May I have your permission to link this recipe and post up to my Fresh Clean and Pure Friday hop today? I'm trying my best to find quality posts (not quantity) focused on improving our lifestyles in many ways. Please let me know if this is OK? Roz

I love grilled peppers, too. I actually make an amazing and simple Eastern European salad with them (on my site). I freeze them and make it all year round. I use the torn bits to make Ajvar - and incredible roasted red pepper Eastern Eurpean spread. It is deadly. Thanks for telling me about the Sept 24th event on Jean's site. I haven't opened her post yet and actually have a beautiful cornish game hen that I grilled inspired by our dinner at Chez Panisse in Berkeley last summer.:)Valerie

Those look amazing!! I am always on the lookout for new vegetable side dishes that I can cook on the BBQ and this one is definitely a winner! The melty cheese and pesto combination just did it for me. Thanks v much for taking part in the event and see you at the roundup!

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My blog More Than Burnt Toast has been my passion for almost 9 years and has evolved with me over time as I have gained confidence in the kitchen. Follow my travels through Italy and Greece one recipe at a time, upcoming cooking classes at local Okanagan wineries and restaurants, as well as daily experimentation in my own kitchen. Every day we should be excited about what we are eating even if it just means making use of a wonderful find at our local farmers market. I look forward to getting to know you.